1. Historical versus Current Distribution. Fourche Mountain salamanders
(P. fourchensis) were previously considered a variant of Rich Mountain
salamanders (P. ouachitae; the Buck Knob variant; Blair and Lindsay,
1965), and originally described by Duncan and Highton (1979). They are found only
on Fourche, eastern Iron Fork, and Shut-In mountains (Blair and Lindsay, 1965; Duncan and
Highton, 1979, 1986b; Plummer, 1982; Lohoefener and Jones, 1991). Fourche Mountain
salamanders will hybridize with Rich Mountain salamanders in a narrow zone of sympatry on
western Fourche Mountain. Their historical distribution is unknown.

2. Historical versus Current Abundance. Abundant and widespread within their
limited range. Lohoefener and Jones (1991) noted a reduction in abundance at a
number of localities.

H.
Aestivation/Avoiding Dessication. Individuals move underground in late May but may
return to the surface during periods of rainfall and/or cool weather. By mid
September, adults can again be found under cover objects at the surface.

I. Seasonal
Migrations. Unknown.

J. Torpor
(Hibernation). Probably hibernate from mid November to late March.

K. Interspecific
Associations/Exclusions. Fourche Mountain salamanders occur syntopically with
western slimy salamanders (P. albagula) and southern red-backed
salamanders (P. serratus). Kuss (1986) found that habitat differed
between western slimy salamanders and Fourche Mountain salamanders, with Fourche
Mountain salamanders occurring more often at higher elevations, farther from ravines, and
in association with denser vegetation.

R. Parasites.
Winter et al. (1986) found trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, protozoans, and mites on six
adults. Intradermal mites of the genus Hannemania are common on the feet
and toes and appear as raised red pustules. Toe loss and damage have been
attributed to these mites (Conant and Collins, 1991). Duncan and Highton (1979)
found that 89–92% of individuals from three populations had mite infestations.

4. Conservation. Fourche Mountain salamanders have a limited
distribution. Within this range they can be abundant and widespread, although
Lohoefener and Jones (1991) noted a reduction in numbers at several localities.